Postal Service Protests Afghanistan-Withdrawal Plans

Contributor, Staff Sgt. Rich Stowell

From http://my-public-affairs.blogspot.com/2014/05/postal-service-protests-afghanistan.html

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2014— In an unprecedented foray into foreign policy, the United States Postmaster General has sent a letter to President Obama and Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel urging them to maintain a force of at least 32,000 in Afghanistan beyond 2014.

Postal officials fear that bringing significant number of troops home will be bad for the bottom line.

The letter, obtained by My Public Affairs from a source in the Postmaster General's office, refers to "calamitous second- and third-order effects" from a precipitous draw down of US troops. The Postal Service says that revenue from care packages accounts for a sizeable portion of their operating budget.

If forces draw down as much as the president has suggested-- to just under 10,000 in his recent speech to service members at Bagram Airfield-- then that revenue could plummet.

Officials in the Postal Service didn't specify how much money that would cost them, but the watchdog group PostCheck says it is in the tens of millions. The service lost $1.9 million in the first quarter of this year, according to Bloomberg. If the agency loses its profitable Afghanistan War care package market, it could hemmorhage money and not be able to recover.

After US forces left Iraq in 2011, the Postal Service began a revenue decline from which it is still recovering.

The Postmaster General has also urged members of the postal workers union to write their representatives in Congress, as well as to call the White House.

"The Post Office has always been a friend to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, the letter read."And in these extraordinary times of budget austerity, we simply can not afford to lose the valuable business that their friends and family members give us to send chips, cookies, and toiletries."

One Soldier, who declined to give is name but offered his picture, said that while he appreciates getting care packages, he'd rather be home where he could just go buy that stuff himself at Target.

Sources close to the Soldier said that he really shops at Wal Mart but doesn't like to admit it.

"Don't get me wrong, it's nice to get packets of toothpaste and bodywash. But really, how much chap stick does a guy need?"

The Soldier didn't comment on whether units should be forced to stay in order to maintian current levels of postal services.

Another service member, an Airman stationed at Bagram Airfield, suggested sending packages to random Afghans as a way to offset the decline of mail to US troops.

First Impressions from the Province's Second-Greatest City

Contributor, Staff Sgt. Rich Stowell

From http://my-public-affairs.blogspot.com/2014/05/first-impressions-of-kaf.html

 

“You’ll love the poop pond,” is what one Afghanistan veteran told me on Facebook the other day. A full-bird colonel said he heard it stank here.

Welcome to Kandahar Arifield—“KAF” colloquially.

 

It’s really not that bad. At least the odor. The infamous poop pond is nowhere to be smelled, though there are other olfactory inconveniences that go with housing large numbers of soldiers in close proximity.

 

We arrived in the evening of 10 May. It was warm, but not hot. It felt a lot like Las Vegas in the Spring. We entered through a terminal that looked like it was at one time a 19^th-century public building. I surmised that the stucco and brick, arched building was the original civilian airport. Some folks here told us later that it is called “TLS,” or “Taliban’s Last Stand.”

 

We got on a bus with our gear and headed to the billets. We live in “mods,” or modular housing. They are steel buildings with separate four-man rooms and common latrines and showers. Air conditioning works well, so I can’t complain, although it seems I’m going to become intimately familiar with every single one of the springs on my mattress.

 

If I had to choose one word to describe this place: DUSTY.

 

I removed about a quarter inch of dust from the top of my wall locker thinking, “man, this place hasn’t been cleaned since it was built!” Now I’m not so sure.

 

The sun rises at 5:30 out here. I guess that’s the half-hour time difference. So while it’s noon in Salt Lake City, it’s 10:30 at night here. I say as long as we’re imposing democracy, let’s get the Afghans on the same hour intervals as the developed world.

 

Food is okay. There are three dining facilities here, all within walking distance from where we live: Niagara, which used to serve food the Canadians could stomach, I assume; Cambridge, which features British fare; and Far East, with Asian food. So far steak burgers at Niagara are the best, followed by fish and chips at Cambridge. The Fish and Chips are really good, but honestly, the burgers are on par with Smashburger.

 

I asked Prax what word she’d use to describe KAF. She said, “brown.” I still say DUSTY.

It’s nice to see the military going green. When we wash our hands in the the D-Fac, we dry them on Dyson air hand dryers. Reminds me of going to school at the U, where the greatest virtue seems to be one's allegiance to "sustainability" intiatives.

There is an MWR tent and a gym tent next door. I use the term "tent" in the sense that they are shaped like tents; they were long ago sprayed with some foamy stuff that has hardened and encrusted the buildings like library at the climax of Ghostbusters II. Insulation, I am told.

KAF would be one of the largest cities in the country, the second largest in Kandahar province. As such, there are ammenities one would expect in a small town. Donuts, coffee, shops, that sort of thing.

Importantly, there are bunkers in case of rocket attacks and plaettes of water everywhere.

My main complaint is that internet for personal use isn't widely available. A hundred dollars a month (yes, you read that right) will get you a connection that could pass for most uses. Anything cheaper is useless.

All in all, KAF is a really great place. There is only a bit of sarcasm, of course, but remember, it's only week two.

Utah Guard Marathon Team Shines at Lincoln, Passes the Torch

Story and photos by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Click here for additional photos of Utah Guard runners.

Click here for photos of the awards ceremony.

LINCOLN, Neb. — It was a blend of the old and the new as five members of the Utah National Guard marathon team competed here May 4 for spots on the All-Guard team.

The race, known for the last several years as the Lincoln-National Guard Marathon, is jointly sponsored by the Lincoln Track Club and the National Guard.

Two team members, Maj. DeAnne Trauba and Lt. Col. Eric Petersen, each have more than a dozen Lincoln races under their belts, qualifying each time for All-Guard honors. With them were three “sophomores,” Capt. Cody Adamson, Capt. Lex Grimley and Sgt. Andrea Graff, running their second Lincoln after making the All-Guard team here a year ago.

Graff, of St. George, and a member of the 213th Forward Support Company, has three years in the Guard and served a combat tour in Iraq in 2011 with the 2-222nd Field Artillery. She not only has Trauba and Petersen to help her learn the ropes, but her father, Col. George Graff, is also a mentor as a longtime member of both the Utah Guard and the All-Guard marathon team.

“I feel a whole lot of pressure, like I have to do good,” chuckled Graff.“Ninety percent of my decision to enlist was the fact that my dad was in the Guard and on the marathon team. I loved coming to the events with him and being around the runners and soldiers.”

Competing at this level was also a draw for Adamson and Grimley to join the Utah team.

“I do marathons anyway,” said Adamson, a Lehi resident and executive officer for the 144th Area Support Medical Company. He deployed to Iraq in 2003-2004 with the 1457th Engineer Battalion. “Competing with the Guard seemed like a lot of fun, and I like racing and traveling.”

“I had never heard of the marathon team,” admitted Grimley, of Saratoga Springs, a medical officer with the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade, who served in Iraq in 2003-2005 with the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion. “I got an e-mail last year. They heard I was a runner and asked me to run.”

Petersen, of Holladay, is a judge advocate with the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. He returned just weeks ago from a yearlong deployment to Kosovo. Early on, his commander there asked him to help train 45 soldiers of Multi-National Battle Group East to run in the Athens (Greece) Marathon. Petersen competed himself and saw 39 of his trainees meet their time goals in the race.

“It was a challenge to find time to exercise in Kosovo,” said Petersen, “I don’t feel quite as prepared for this race as in years past.”

And Trauba, deputy state surgeon for the Utah Guard and a Draper resident, also had some hurdles to clear before coming to Lincoln, nursing a sore Achilles tendon, and there was the small matter of running the Boston Marathon just two weeks ago.

“I haven’t been able to train the way I normally do, with my injury—no speed and no hills,” she explained. “I didn’t want to push too hard at Boston, knowing I was coming straight to Lincoln.”

But setbacks aside, each of the five Utah athletes were here, ready to give it their best. They joined the other 12,500 marathoners and half-marathoners on race morning in gusty winds and warm temperatures. They snaked their way on the fairly flat course through the greater Lincoln area, finishing at the 50-yard line of Memorial Stadium, the football home of the five-time, national champion Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Grimley crossed the finish line first in 3:04, followed by Peterson with a 3:15 time. Adamson came in with a 3:46, and Graff and Trauba finished in 3:51 and 4:02, respectively.

While each runner had hopes to make the All-Guard team, the competition was fierce, and Grimley was the only Utah Guardmember selected. For the coming year he will represent the National Guard at selected marathons or half-marathons throughout the U.S.

For the other four members of the team, there are many positives to pull from their efforts at Lincoln.

“From a team standpoint, Lincoln is great for morale and esprit de corps,”said Petersen. “It brings our Utah team closer together.”

There is also the personal benefit of staying marathon ready, competing locally and looking ahead to next year.

“I enjoy running,” said Trauba. “It helps me focus and balance my life.”

“Just training all year long has kept me more fit,” added Graff.

“I can help other soldiers in my unit who struggle with running,” observed Adamson. “It helps me be a better leader and mentor.”

They will all be back in Lincoln next year, looking to make the All-Guard once again. And for now, Grimley will carry the torch for the other four as he competes nationally.

“There’s nothing better than getting out and representing the National Guard and your individual state,” Grimley said. “You want to perform well, but in the end it doesn’t really matter because there’s a brotherhood in all of this.”

See You in Afghanistan

Contributor, Staff Sgt. Rich Stowell

 

On the eve of a major movement, I sit in my bunk at a NATO base in Romania. It is very interesting how the world changes. Less than a generation ago, this installation likely housed troops of the Warsaw Pact. Now it’s the staging center for the largest and longest ever NATO operation.

The room looks like it belongs in the Ikea military catalog—small and minimalist. White and shiny.

I can’t say that I’ll miss this place. I stare at the few belongings the Army was kind enough to let me hold onto for the 36 hours we were here. It all fits into a single backpack. The extra Rubbermaid container is along for the ride simply because I refused to have spent $4 on it without keeping it a while longer.

H. just walked in. He is abundantly optimistic. I wish I possessed that quality, in slightly less measure than he. Not that I am pessimistic, by any means. It’s just that I am easily annoyed. If you like this blog, you ought to be glad, I suppose, since a good portion of the posts are outlets for Army-induced frustration.

E. and I have been texting. We’ll find out next billing cycle how badly T-Mobile is going to shake us down. Right now I don’t care.

Eth., who per habit went to sleep several hours ago (it is now 11:00 pm), has just woken up. We argue for a bit about the past participle of “wake.” Solomon argues that I should just write “awaken.” I don’t want to. Eth. asserts that the sentence should read, “He has been awaken by the people in his room.” He promised to smother us in our sleep.

How does it feel to be on my way to Afghanistan? Hard to describe. I am trying to remember what is was like at this point on the Kosovo tour. I really can’t remember.

I am excited, for one thing. I have been hyping this thing up in my mind for over a year. I just sent an email to my dissertation committee members explaining to them my proposed timeline. Breaking away from school, work, family, and life is a huge emotional challenge. Part of that challenge is talking myself into looking forward to something that’s going to be so hard.

One emotion that I am not feeling is sadness. I got choked up a few days ago, when we were leaving Fort Dix. E. and I talked on the phone and the thought of finally leaving the United States put us both in a state. We’re both past that point now, and just planning on how to make things easier on the boys.

We show up at 6:45 am in front of the Ikea barracks to catch a bus to the flight line. They say we’ll get on a C-17, which is kind of cool for about eight minutes. It’ll be a five-hour flight.

Now the guys are talking about going to midnight chow. I don’t want to get out of my bunk, but I probably will.

See you in Afghanistan.

 

Stowell posted this message sometime after posting the above:

 

Just wanted to let you all know that I'm safe, settling in to this base in the middle of Afghanistan. Feels like Las Vegas, but smells worse. So far so good.

A Highly Resilient Army?

Contributor, Staff Stg. Rich Stowell

Karl Weick is a brilliant scholar and researcher of organization. His latest work, co-authored by Kathleen Sutcliffe, is about highly-resilient organizations (HROs), among which he includes the sailors on an aircraft carrier. HROs display characteristics that distinguish them from typical organizations-- things like a willingness to track small failures, a resistance to oversimplification, and a sensitivity to operations.

A carrier crew might be the prototypical HRO, but Army units offer a more practical case study, at least for yours truly. I'll be in such a unit in Afghanistan within a fortnight.

The goal of any organization, resilient or not, is high performance. Effective organizations are organized so as to negotiate changing environments. Certainly the military has a need to be so organized. Uncertainty has a way of auditing these organizations. In a market, the organization that fails the audit goes bankrupt. In war, it suffers defeat.

According to Weick and Sutcliffe, they have identified a particular class of organizations that reduce "the brutality of audits and speeds up the process of recovery."

News from Afghanistan suggests a relatively stable operating environment for the Army. Compared to the deadliest years of 2009 - 2011, over 60 percent of all OEF casualties occurred, 2014 is shaping up to be the year of Afghanistan security. That means dramatically different missions for US troops. Whether the Army can shift from an offensive combat posture to stability operations will be a real test of its organizational resilience.

Weick and Sutcliffe offer some advice to those organizations looking to stay resilient and adaptive to a changing environment: defer to expertise. Not all commanders, and certainly not all Soldiers, are experts at the type of operations coming down the pike. If the powers that be can identify who the real experts are, then the Army should be able to manage the coming changes.

Utah Guard Engineers Recognized for Flood Response in Colorado

Lt. Col. Mike Turley, commander of the Utah Army Guard's 1457th Engineer Battalion, captures the siginficance of an article recently published in the Army Engineer magazine:

The publication of a technical engineering article written by the 1457th Engineer Battalion in Army Engineer Magazine is significant in the history of the Battalion and for the Army National Guard as a whole. It provides a medium to extol the virtues of a storied and decorated unit in the Utah Army National Guard and shows how valuable Citizen-Soldiers can be in times of need.

“Army Engineer Magazine is the official publication of The Army Engineer Association, a member-based, non-profit corporation specifically organized to facilitate cohesion, interaction, and networking within the United States Army Corps of Engineers total family of soldiers, civilians, family members, and alumni. As such, AEA serves as both the honor fraternity and alumni association for the Army Engineer Regiment.

The Engineer Regiment includes those now serving, as well as veterans who served honorably for any length of time. By their dedicated service, each earned a distinct place within the Regiment, whether it be as a part of an Engineer troop unit or part of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) organization (District, Division, Laboratory, etc.)

AEA provides its members with an Army Engineer network for life. Why is this important? Army Engineers excel at completing complex and demanding missions in war and peace, always performed with uncommon dedication, ingenuity, and unsurpassed standards of excellence. All members of this network are thus inseparably linked for life by their service.”

By publishing this article; highlighting the technical expertise, selfless service, and duty to our fellow countrymen, Army Engineer Magazine has solidified the reputation of the Battalion as one of the premier organizations of the US Army Corps of Engineers. This article trumpets a legacy of excellence for past, present, and future members of the 1457th Engineer Battalion.

In addtion, the 116th Engineer Company (Horizontal), which was heavily involved in the flood-recovery mission in Colorado in late 2013, was recently selected for the Itschner Award.

The Itschner Plaque, first awarded by the Society of American Military Engineers in 1960, is named in honor of Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner, USA. The plaque was presented to the most outstanding U.S. Army engineering company during a year.

In 1974, the competition for the Itschner Award was broadened to include the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.

Hitting the Home Stretch

Guest Blogger

Captain Chris Vernon

Commander, 624th Engineer Company

 

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

Things continue to move along very rapidly and we remain busy. We are in the process of moving from our current FOB (Forward Operating Base) to Sharana. Our RIP (Relief in Place)  will take place in Sharana. The OPCON (Operational Control) relationship is officially over and we have 2^nd Platoon back. I am actually visiting them right now and they are doing very well.

I am not going to go through a platoon-by-platoon breakdown of what everyone is doing right now, but for the most part all the platoons are tying up loose ends and finishing up smaller projects while preparing to move. 

 

We are also putting a lot of emphasis on our ANA (Afghan National Army) partnerships and training the three engineer Coys (Afghan Army equivalent to a company) we work with. Now that we have 2^nd Platoon back, our company is responsible for all the ANA partnerships in the entire battalion.

Our replacing unit will arrive at their mobilization station very shortly. It is starting to feel real that we are not going to be here for much longer. We continue to remind ourselves and our Soldiers to avoid complacency.

One of our main efforts right now is making sure all our i’s are dotted and t’s crossed so we finish strong and set up our replacing unit for success.

Logan Armory Reopens after Yearlong Remodel

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Click here for more photos of this event.

LOGAN, Utah — Logan Armory was formally reopened Jan. 12 in a ribbon-cutting ceremony following nearly a year of remodeling the building.

Dignitaries at the event included Randy Watts, mayor of Logan; Col. Val Peterson, Land Component Commander for the Utah National Guard; Lt. Col. Matt Price, director of facilities for the Utah Guard; and the commanders of the two units based at the armory, Maj. James Helco, of Delta Company, 142^nd Military Intelligence Battalion; and Capt. Chris Kroeber, of Alpha Battery, 1-145^th Field Artillery.

 

Logan Mayor Randy Watts, center, is joined by leaders of the Utah National Guardto cut
the ribbon, officially reopening the Logan Armory Jan. 12. Photo by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire.

Originally completed in 1969, the $1.1-million remodeling project included the following improvements:

     ·  New paint, carpet, floor and ceiling tile and landscaping
     ·  New electrical wiring
     ·  Heating and cooling system upgrades
     ·  Lighting and energy-efficient improvements that will reduce electricity 
        costs by 20 percent
     ·  New doors and windows
     ·  Communication and data-system infrastructure

“This is more than a building,” said Lt. Col. Matt Price at the ceremony. “It’s a wonderful place for soldiers to come train and prepare for deployments in response to domestic and overseas emergencies. It does send a message to our soldiers that we care about them and expect them to be professional.”

“Our soldiers are the citizens here,” said Col. Val Peterson. “Many of them are students or work here and create the fabric of our community. When we look at this facility we think, ‘What a tremendous asset.’ It creates a place to train our soldiers and prepare for the unexpected.”

 “We hope that it will be a resource that the community uses,” added Peterson, drawing attention to the many improvements, including a brand-new basketball floor.

Logan mayor Randy Watts praised soldiers for the good they do for the community.

“The beauty of this valley is one thing, but we are really blessed with the quality of people we have,” he said. “I give my gratitude to those of you who serve. It’s a huge sacrifice.”

“I hope this remodeled facility will continue to train you for the unknown obstacles this world has,” concluded Watts.

A number of veterans of Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts were also in attendance, swapping stories and memories of the old days at the armory.

Veterans of previous conflicts were present for the Logan Armory
ribbon-cutting Jan. 12. Photo by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Still-serving Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Gonzalez, of the 142^nd Military Intelligence Battalion, began his career in 1991 in Logan Armory.

“I lived in Rexburg, Idaho, and I would come down for drill and stay in the armory for the weekend,” reminisced Gonzalez. “After 22 years [in the military] I’ve been all over the world, but it still feels like coming back home. It was emotional when I drove up today.”

Les Patterson retired a few years ago after spending decades at Logan Armory as a soldier in Bravo Battery, 1-148^th Field Artillery, the predecessor to Alpha Battery, 1-145^th.

“It’s cool to come back and see this place; I spent several years here,” he said. “It’s good to see some of the vets from Vietnam here and how they still give back to the vets of today. I’m all right being done [with my military career], but I still love it.”

Utah Guard Fulfills Traditional Role in Utah Governor Gary Herbert's Inauguration

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Click here for more photos of this event.

SALT LAKE CITY — In keeping with long-standing tradition, the Utah National Guard was a key part of Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert’s inauguration ceremony at the Utah State Capitol Jan. 7.

Herbert is commander in chief of the 7,000 Airmen and Soldiers of the Utah National Guard, which historically has had significant involvement in the inauguration of each of Utah’s 17 governors.

 
Beginning with Governor Heber M. Wells' inauguration on Jan. 6, 1896, where members and officers of the Utah Guard marched in a pre-inauguration parade through the streets of Salt Lake City, Utah Airmen and Soldiers have been a highly visible part of each subsequent inauguration.

Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, was master of
ceremonies for Governor Gary Herbert's inauguration Jan. 7. Photo by Ileen Kennedy.

As called for by state statute, Utah Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jefferson S. Burton served as master of ceremonies at the event, his first opportunity to do so after being appointed adjutant general by Herbert in October 2012.

“It was an amazing event and one that everyone here will remember,” said Burton. “I felt like it was a good opportunity for me to serve.”

Dozens of Utah Guard Airmen and Soldiers followed Burton’s lead, giving their time and expertise to ensure that the event was carried out with the right mix of pageantry and professionalism.

The 23rd Army Band, let by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Denny Saunders, performed prelude and postlude music, while Second Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, provided a a flyover consisting of three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. First Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, rendered a 19-gun salute to Herbert just after he took the oath of office to begin his first, full, four-year term as governor.

Other Utah Guard support to the event included the 85th Civil Support Team’s standing by in the event of a hazardous-materials incident, and several senior officers and enlisted personnel functioning as escorts for the many dignitaries attending the event. Other Guardmembers provided security or rendered logistical or administrative support.



Members of the 1-145th Field Artillery stand by to render a 19-gun salute at
Utah Governor Gary Herbert's  inaguration Jan. 7. Photo by Capt. Ryan Sutherland.

Herbert noted the presence and involvement of the Utah National Guard at the top of his remarks at the ceremony.

“We thank the men and women of our Utah Army and Air National Guard for their service,” he said, “not only on this day, but for the service and sacrifice they offer us every single day.”

According to Lt. Matt Price, director of facilities for the Utah Guard and chairman of its inauguration committee, planning for the ceremony began days after Herbert won reelection in November. Price was pleased with the final result, and officials and guests were also lavish in their praise of the Utah Guard’s role in the inauguration.

“There were a lot of scripted items that had to hit the mark exactly,” said Price. “The people out on the floor thought it looked wonderful.”

Brigadier Gen. David Fountain, Utah Guard Assistant Adjutant General—Air, noted with pride the importance of the Utah Guard’s traditional role in the inauguration.

 
“History is everything,” he said. “The ceremonial aspect is so important, not only what we do in uniform, but also for our civic leadership. When we think about how often we hear the National Anthem when we’re in uniform and all the different renditions, I stood a little straighter today. It really makes you want to be a part of this organization.”

UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters fly over the Utah State Capitol Jan. 7 as part of the inau-
guration ceremonies for Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Photo by Staff Sgt. Renae Saylock. 

The inauguration, Burton observed, also demonstrated the effectiveness of the continuing partnership of the military and elected representatives.

“We answer to our elected civilian officials,” he said. “It’s important that we have a good relationship with the governor because he can do a lot to help us in the execution of our duties. We need his support, and we need the support of the legislature to do our job.”
 

“It’s an opportunity to be this beautiful Capitol building and witness something that many people don’t get the opportunity to witness,” Burton concluded. “I feel very honored for us to showcase what we can do.”

TAG Holiday Message

From The Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton

Dear Members and Employees of the Utah National Guard:

Pick any Christmas from the past, and the headlines of the day will include stories of strife, heartache, contention, disappointment, anguish, uncertainty, and likely even some bad weather. But in spite of the
challenges, there are also times of incredible joy spent with family and friends as we reflect on the things that we are truly thankful for.

This is a season for rededication of our hearts, our minds and our hands. This is a season where the real news is the Good News, and the most important weather report is the one that speaks to what is inside you: a positive attitude and a hope for the future.

During this holiday season I ask that you reflect upon the relationships and positive experiences within your families and your lives. There is good in every relationship, and the holiday season is a time to mark all the good in your lives. This is a time of year to magnify four of the key pillars in the comprehensive Soldier fitness program: emotional, social, family, and spiritual. Take the time to approach everything in a positive manner, develop trusted relationships, build your families, and strengthen your set of beliefs.

As a Servicemember in the Utah National Guard, your well-being is of the utmost importance to me and the Utah National Guard leadership. It pains me when I hear of our Servicemembers' tragedies and times of sorrow, and I am excited to hear of successes and positive experiences. I want you to know that I and the leadership appreciate how you and your families contribute to the success of the Utah National Guard team.

Also remember that safety never takes a holiday. I urge all of you to take a few extra minutes to thoroughly think through your holiday plans and use sound risk management when traveling and participating in winter activities. Focus on stress management, winter driving, winter sports, responsible drinking, and preventing complacency. All of us have a responsibility to ensure a safe holiday for ourselves, our families, and our fellow Servicemembers by being alert to safety risks, both on and off-duty.

Whether you are deployed or serving here at home, your dedication and sacrifice are profoundly appreciated. Happy holidays to you and your families. Travel and celebrate with care, and remember that safety never takes a holiday.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

JEFFERSON S. BURTON
Major General
The Adjutant General

German President Honors Utah Guard Aviators in Afghanistan

Story by Heath Druzin

Orignially published in Stars and Stripes

Click here for more photos of the event (scroll down).

MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan — The president of Germany presented two American aviation units the country’s highest honor Wednesday, for their “heroic deeds” in support of German forces.

President Joachim Gauck visited this northern Afghan city to laud the aviators of task forces Ready and Pirate, who provide medical flights, close air support and transport flights throughout northern Afghanistan, where most of the 4,600 German troops in Afghanistan are based.

“On many occasions you put yourselves in harm’s way for one reason: to save the lives of German soldiers,” Gauck said during a ceremony at Camp Marmal.

Lt. Col. Greg Hartvigsen, commander of the Utah Guard's 1-211th Aviation, left, holds his unit colors
as German President Joachim Gauck, right, places his country's streamer on the Battalion flag Dec. 19.

Gauck, who also visited with German troops with his domestic partner, Daniela Schadt, and attended a ceremony at a memorial for fallen coalition soldiers, presented the American aviators with the Fahnenband, the highest German honor that can be given to a military unit. The German role in the war has been a highly contentious issue for Germans, many of whom are uncomfortable with their troops in a combat role.

Much of Task Force Ready is made up of aviators from 5th Battalion, 158th General Support Aviation Battalion, based in Katterbach, Germany, who are used to working with their German counterparts, said U.S. Army Maj. Eric Hanes, the task force’s executive officer.

“We train with German soldiers in Germany, we’ve built that relationship early, so when we’re stationed together as a coalition unit in Afghanistan, it’s seamless,” he said.

The lead unit for Task Force Pirate is the 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, from the Utah National Guard.

Northern Afghanistan has avoided much of the bloodshed of southern and eastern Afghanistan, but some formerly quiet areas have seen major attacks recently, including a suicide attack on a mosque in the capital of Faryab province at the end of October that killed more than 40 people. There have also been a number of supply trucks targeted by insurgents in the north, which includes a vital overland route used by NATO to get supplies in and out through Tajikistan.

While the bulk of the ground forces in northern Afghanistan are German, the U.S. has been providing nearly all of the air support, but with the recent delivery of the Tiger attack helicopter to the German military, the Germans may be taking on a more active aviation role. Hanes said with American troop withdrawals expected to pick up, it will be important for other coalition nations to take on more responsibility.

“The writing is on the wall that forces are drawing down, and going forward it’s going to be more critical to partner with other nations,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Robinson Promoted to Colonel

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Click here for photos and here for the audio of the ceremony.

DRAPER, Utah — Lieutenant Col. Adam L. Robinson, Utah Army National Guard, was promoted to colonel Dec. 17 at a ceremony at the Utah Guard’s Draper headquarters.

Robinson, of Heber, grew up in Richfield, Utah. He currently serves as full-time Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, for the Utah Army National Guard.

Prior to the pinning ceremony, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, congratulated Robinson on this signal accomplishment and gave him his marching orders.

“Adam is a guy who cares for people, and this is what this business is all about,” Burton said to those assembled. “When we promote people, it’s not for what they’ve done; it’s for what they are going to do—so eat your Wheaties, Adam.”

Dressed in his blue Army Service Uniform, Robinson asked his wife Danette to do the honors in changing his oak-leafed, lieutenant colonel epaulets to ones one with an eagle with outstretched wings, the insignia for colonel.


Colonel Adam Robinson (left) receives his new rank insignia from his wife Danette
at his promotion ceremony Dec. 17. U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire.

In remarks following his pinning, Robinson thanked his children and extended family and paid special tribute to his wife.

“I have a bumper sticker on my car that says ‘The toughest position in the Army is the Army wife,’” he said.

Robinson also acknowledged his mentors and peers, saving his greatest professional thanks for the noncommissioned officers, first sergeants and sergeants major he served with in his career.

“I am proud to wear this uniform,” said Robinson as he concluded. “With rank comes great responsibility. I am humbled and want you to know that I will give it my all.”


Colonel Adam Robinson gives remarks at his promotion ceremony Dec. 17.
U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire.

Enlisting in Richfield-based Alpha Battery, 2-222nd Field Artillery, in 1985, Robinson achieved the rank of staff sergeant before receiving his commission through Officer Candidate School in 1995. During his career he has served in a number of leadership positions to include fire-direction officer, platoon leader, intelligence officer, operations officer, executive officer, battery commander and battalion commander.

Robinson deployed to Afghanistan in 2006-2007 with I Corps Artillery (Forward) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was also mobilized in 2002-2003 in support of Operation Noble Eagle, providing security for Deseret Chemical Depot in Tooele.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Combat Action Badge.

He holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Webster University. With his wife Danette they have five children and five grandchildren.

L-3 Communications Donates to Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa Program

By Capt. Ryan Sutherland
Photos by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins

See more images here.

SALT LAKE CITY — L-3 Communication Systems-West presented an in-kind donation to the Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa program Dec. 6 at the Salt Lake Armory.

L-3 Communications employees organize donations for the the Utah Guard's Sub-for-Santa
program  at Salt Lake Armory Dec. 6. U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins.

According to Capt. Noé Vázquez, director of the Sub-for-Santa program, donations from private citizens and organizations like this will ensure a more meaningful Christmas for military families in Utah who have indicated a need for support this year. As of Dec. 5, the Utah Guard Family Support Services office projects helping about 300 children during the holiday.

The Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa program was originated in 2003 after many community members realized the sacrifices that our Utah servicemembers were performing. The intent of the community members was to give back to military families, with deployed members and who were in need. Last year, the Sub-for-Santa program assisted nearly 400 children in need. While this program specifically assists those dependents of our Utah military who might go without during a holiday season, the program does accept general gifts for the parents or family gifts.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, formally thanks L-3 Communications
employees Dec. 6  for their generous donations. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins. 

Sub for Santa is dedicated to helping people who cannot help themselves. An application process verifies that the donations go to the families who need it most. Applicants are also given the tools and resources with learning opportunities to help them better manage their money, time, and talents from a Family Assistance Center.

Those wishing to make a donation to the Sub-for-Santa program can make payments online here.

Update on the 624th Engineers

Guest Blogger Captain Chris Vernon, commander of the 624th Engineer Company, deployed to Afghanistan.

Time continues to fly; I can't believe we are already into December! Our mission tempo is still very fast paced.

First Sgt. H. and I are in the process of interviewing every Soldier in the company to see from their perspective how this deployment is going. Our goal is to take what we learn from them to further mentor and develop their leaders and make changes necessary to make the second half of the deployment even better than the first half.

Here is what has been going on the last few weeks:

First Platoon. Nearly all soldiers have returned from the mission in Bagram. The remaining individuals are staying behind to work on a fence, flooring, and a list of add-ons.

One squad is currently working on a project for a portion of a FOB that will shortly be turned over to the Afghan National Army. They are starting their fourth week on that project with about one more week to go. The rest of the platoon is working on projects on our home FOB.

Second Platoon. They continue to work directly with another Engineer unit. They just completed a repair project on a FOB that was damaged by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Soon they will be working on another FOB project. Both the first sergeant and I are planning on visiting them soon.

Third Platoon. Staff Sgt. B. has assumed leadership of the platoon. I have not seen many SSGs as prepared and ready to step up as platoon sergeant as I feel he is. He has been in the position for about a week and is doing a fantastic job. It is fun to watch a motivated soldier work hard, address the issues head on, and make a significant impact for the better. I am excited to see the positive changes that will come about over the next several months because of his leadership.

The platoon has just started a project at another FOB, building a brigade headquarters. It involves the entire platoon and will take them a few weeks to complete. This should be a very fun project for them.

The first photo above is from a ceremony in which the new brigade building was dedicated. A nearby Joint Operations Center was named after Sgt. 1st Class James Thode, a Utah Guard soldier who was killed in action two years ago here in Afghanistan.

I also have included a picture of the JOC in the construction process (second photo above) and a picture of the completed room (above). The workstations are tiered just like a stadium, and the desks are all custom made by our guys. The craftsmanship was outstanding. Each desk has drawers, cubbies and a false back to hide all the wiring.

Families and Friends Make Christmas Care Packages at Vernal Armory

By Geoff Liesik
Originally broadcast on KSL Channel 5 on November 28, 2012

VERNAL — There wasn't a pointy ear to be found, but the folks sorting through mountains of goodies and packing gift boxes Tuesday night at the National Guard Armory in Vernal — and the countless donors who supplied them — were thrilled to serve as Santa's elves.

"We don't have to ask. They come to us," said Stephanie Stensgard, referring to the dozens of volunteers and donors.

Stensgard and others in the Uintah Basin began looking for a way to visibly show their support for the nation's military after the Aug. 5, 2011, death of Marine Sgt. Daniel David Gurr. The 21-year-old Vernal native was shot and killed while on foot patrol with his unit in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

"As a community, we lost one of our own," Stensgard said.

The group found their opportunity to help out when another local Marine, Lance Cpl. Logan Weaver, called home from Afghanistan in late 2011.

"He had mentioned that some of the guys he was with were getting no (care) packages," Stensgard said. "So we formed a group to send packages to the Marines ... while they were deployed, and it grew from there to other platoons."

Support America's Military — the group formed by Stensgard and Weaver's mother, Kris Weaver — soon joined forces with the Sgt. Daniel D. Gurr Foundation. So far, the two organizations have shipped more than 300 care packages to members of the armed forces deployed overseas, including one shipment so far to soldiers with the Utah National Guard's 624th Engineer Company.

"It seemed only natural that we would adopt our local Guard unit that was deploying," Stensgard said.

About 150 members of the 624th Engineers left Utah in June for training at Fort Bliss, Texas. They have since arrived in Afghanistan's Paktika province, where they'll remain for nine more months.

Marandy Massey, a family assistance specialist with the Utah National Guard whose husband is deployed with the 624th, said she knows her husband and other members of his unit look forward to receiving the boxes sent by Support America's Military and the Gurr Foundation.
  "I know he's going to love seeing the candy, for sure, and I know that they all love the energy drinks," Massey said. "They've all been asking for those.

"The most important thing is, it's a package," she said. "They don't particularly care what's in it. The fact that someone cares enough to send something to them means a lot."

Most of the items in the boxes — from the candy to the caffeine and the baby wipes to the magazines — is donated by area residents and businesses, according to Stensgard. The rest is purchased with donated funds. Even the cost of shipping is covered by community fundraisers.

"Each box costs about $13.45 to ship, so it gets pretty costly," Stensgard said, adding that Uintah High School's wrestling team donated the proceeds from its Red and White Night to cover the shipping cost for the 44 Christmas care packages that were boxed up Tuesday night.

"It's just been overwhelming," said Red Jensen, whose son is in Afghanistan with the 624th.

"For somebody that has a child that's been deployed, it's very warming to know that there's this kind of support for them when they're out there," he said.

Utah Guard Engineers Support Theater Operations in Afghanistan

By Staff Sgt. Anna Rutherford

Originally published on the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In the center of a forward operating base in Paktika province, Afghanistan, is a place where many pass by, but few notice. Within the confines of a gated and fenced yard, several U.S. Army engineers work diligently, day after day.

Among towering stacks of plywood and materials, a lone forklift moves deftly, neatly organizing lumber. Although the scene looks more like a “Peanuts” character with clouds of dust, the forklift looks effortless in its purpose.

“From what I’ve heard, it was just kind of chaos around here,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Jared Ruppe of the 624th Engineer Company, Utah Army National Guard, assigned to the 178th Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade. “They just started organizing right off the bat. They’re just trying to get everything to where it’s easier for us to do our job.”

U.S. Army Spc. Paul Gibbs, 624th Engineer Company, Utah Army National Guard, assigned to the
178th Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade, winds up a ratchet strap on Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2012. Gibbs, a Spanish Fork, Utah native, works as a carpenter in the bill of materials yard and assists with vertical construction operations within the area of operations. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Rutherford, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

The bill of materials yard or “BOM yard” on Forward Operating Base Sharana, was a drastically different place in previous years, with more materials than Army engineers knew what to do with or were able to find space for. Today the yard is neatly organized with portions of the yard looking more like a heavy duty version of Home Depot or Lowe’s. With business booming, the engineers are happy to have the tidiness.

“The first three months we were taking one or two orders a week,” said Ruppe. “I want to bet we get close to 12 a week.” 

Business for the BOM yard means customers coming in with requests for building materials. This could mean items as large as stacks of plywood, to items as small as screws and nails. 

Standing tall near the entrance to the yard is a large wooden facility. Rays of light shine through the loft windows lining the wall near the roof. Inside, the floor is as immaculately swept as a sawdust-covered floor could be. Within the confines, 624th soldiers work intently and briskly inside the wooden cathedral. Few words are spoken above the whirring of power tools and the clattering thumps of lumber, but each soldier moves with ease, needing little instruction.

“This is our truss factory right here,” said Ruppe, of the immense structure. “We don’t build the trusses here, but we get the gussets ready for our platoon and they come in and build the trusses so it’s nice for them to have the gussets already prefabricated.” 

Although Ruppe is an Army school-trained plumber, he is a long-haul truck driver out of Vernal, Utah. Ruppe believes that his civilian experience serves as an asset to his duties in the BOM yard.

“I like doing this (job at) the BOM yard a lot better (than other jobs),” he commented. “It’s something I’m familiar with. I love the unit I’m in. It’s a bunch of hard-working soldiers, and we work hard, play hard. It’s been really fun.”

Ruppe isn’t the only soldier to find team cohesion in the work he does. In the off-duty hours, U.S. Army Spc. Paul Gibbs, a native of Spanish Fork, Utah, and a carpenter with 624th, finds contentment in spending time with his fellow BOM yard workers from the unit.

“I usually go hang out with the other guys from the BOM yard,” he said. “We usually play cards, dominoes, maybe go play pool or pingpong. It’s pretty relaxing.” 

And much like the cohesive machinery that keeps the BOM yard running, the soldiers of the 624th find a mechanical cohesion all the way from the command level to the most junior enlisted.

“It (the unit) has some pretty great leaders,” said Gibbs. “I enjoy working with them and they make life pretty easy. They really look out for us.”

In the meantime, the Utah engineers will continue to organize the BOM yard, while supporting the missions of coalition forces throughout the area of operations – fully maintaining the spirit of cohesion both internally and externally.

Payson Soldier Reenlists While in Afghanistan

By 1st Lt. Stephanie Sefren, 4-1 Brigade Special Troop Battalion

See more photos here.

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- A member of the 624th Engineer Company, Sgt. Travis Thomas, recently reenlisted in the Utah National Guard while deployed to Paktika Provice, Afghanistan.

Thomas was sworn in by Lt. Col. Ollar, commander of the 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, taking the oath inside of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter Nov. 19.


Lieutenant Col. Ollar, left, commander of the 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, administers
 the oath of reenlistment Nov. 19 to Sgt. Travis Thomas, of Payson, right, a member of the
624th Engineers, Utah Army National Guard, currently deployed in Afghanistan. 

 Reenlisting for six years, Thomas is a 21E, heavy-equipment operator. He is currently in the 624th Vertical Construction Company and works in Paktika Province with the 2-203rd Afghan National Army Engineer Coy as the Embedded Training Team noncommissioned officer in charge.

His unit has completed numerous construction projects in Afghanistan including road repairs, the commissioning of a new Brigade operations center and multiple force-protection measures.

Thomas also leads training for the Coy and has established a maintenance program and coordinated for eight specialized classes featuring subject-matter experts throughout the area of operations in order to prepare Aghani soldiers to take the lead as engineersonce Coalition forces depart.

Utah Air Guard Airmen Return Home from Middle East Deployment

By Senior Airman Lillian Harnden

SALT LAKE CITY — Family members welcomed home 12 members of the 130th Engineering Installation Squadron as they returned from deployment at the Salt Lake City International Airport, Nov. 16.

Returning Guardmembers served a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom throughout several forward operating bases in Afghanistan.


Twelve members of the 130th Engineering Installation Squadron pose for a group

 photo as they returned from deployment at Salt Lake International Airport Nov. 16.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Harnden)

Heidi Ward, a working mother of three boys and wife of returning Guardsman Staff Sgt. Christian Ward, said she is relieved that her husband came home in time for the delivery of her fourth baby, which is due any day.

“It was harder than I thought it would be, but we’re just very proud of him and glad he is able to do his part to defend our country,” said Ward.

Tiffany Santistevan, wife of Senior Airman Dave Santistevan, expressed feeling “immediate tears and excitement” when she saw her husband coming down the stairs.

“It was so surreal,” said Tiffany. “It’s been so long that it’s hard to believe that it’s over. I am absolutely relieved and feel like I can just breathe again.”

Tiffany also had advice for military wives with husbands about to deploy.

“Just make sure you have a strong support system and stay focused on the positive,” she said. “I recommend disconnecting from the military news because it does make it hard not knowing where he’s at and not knowing when the next time is you’re going to get to talk to him.”

Tiffany’s husband, Dave Santistevan, a returning member of the 130th EIS, described what his first deployment was like.

“The experience is like being blindfolded there,” he said. “Going there, not knowing too much about it, just living everyday life, sleeping in tents and going out to forward operating bases, it’s different there—a lot of things I haven’t experienced before.”


Kenley, daughter of Master Sgt. Greg Taylor, waited to welcome home

 her dad as he returned from deployment at Salt Lake International Airport Nov. 16. 

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Harnden)

Master Sgt. Greg Taylor, a team chief with the 130th EIS who just completed his fifth deployment, explained his impressions.

“Things are what you make of it while you’re deployed,” said Taylor. “You keep busy. You stay occupied. You take whatever challenges come at you and adapt, overcome and succeed at those challenges. You learn from those challenges.”

Taylor also explained why this deployment was distinct from others.

“It was different because we were Airmen embedded with the Army,” said Taylor. “We learned how to be Army. We were working side by side, working for the Army this time.”

Additionally, Taylor provided advice to first-time-deploying Guardmembers.

“Go with a positive attitude. Stay busy,” he said. “Take the challenges head-on. Get involved and make yourself useful over there. Before you know it the time will have gone by. You’ll have bettered yourself and you’ll be on your way home.”

Brig. Gen. Dallen Atack, Assistant Adjutant General—Army of the Utah National Guard, expressed pride in returning Guardmembers.

“We’re just so proud of what they did,” said Atack. “We know they were really living in the Wild West out there. They had some real challenges on this deployment but they all came home and they all came through it. They did a tremendous job. It’s nice to have them all home and all safe.”

Commander of the 130th EIS, Lt. Col. Kevin Tobias, revealed what some of those challenges faced by his Airmen.

“They were in the thick of it a lot more than others,” said Tobias. “They were at different forward operating bases and in smaller groups. Three of our Guardsmen were under fire at one time. The Army is trying to give them combat awards for it.”

Tobias also boasted about their accomplishments while deployed.

“I’m very proud of what they’ve done,” continued Tobias. “They represented the 130th and the Air National Guard very well. There was a group of them that was Team of the Month one month. They went above and beyond. They worked really hard the whole time they were there. They left a good impression with the Army.”

As the second batch of 130th EIS members to return in the last 30 days, the 130th is now all back together as a unit, and their commander described his relief at having them all back.

“I’ll sleep better,” said Tobias. “It feels good not to have anybody in harm’s way.”

Click here for a local news story about the return of the 130th EIS.